An Open Letter to Laurie Halse Anderson
Oh, Laurie Halse Anderson, how I love you. Isn’t that a bit scary? But I do. My admiration and respect for you just went through the roof. Last night was one of the funnest book-ish nights I’ve had. A highlight for sure. When I introduced myself as saying, “You might not recognize my name but I’m Natasha Maw,” you did immediately know who I was, broke out into a huge smile, didn’t hesitate to pull me into a tight, warm embrace as though we’ve been friends for years. You thanked me for writing such wonderful things about your books. I could feel how genuine your statement was. I thanked you for hugging me. Seriously, I’d only been in your company for a couple of moments but I knew right then that you were indeed somebody very special. Having moments like those makes this whole blogging thing worth it.
The more I watched you, the more I knew that not all authors have your talent for making whoever you were talking to feel like they were the only one in the room at that moment. I watched as you ran off for a piece of paper so you could write a note to a teenagers friend who had strep and had cried because she couldn’t come. I watched as you talked on a cell phone to a mother’s daughter because you knew it was important to that mother. I watched as that teenager almost cried as she told you that she had been abused and that Speak had made her speak out. I was touched as you got up to embrace her and tell her your own story. I saw several people who were starting to tear up after speaking with you as they turned away to leave.
You never stopped smiling and then after most of the crowd had filtered out and the hard core fans and local authors (including Sara Zarr, James Dashner, Emily Wing Smith, Ann Bowen, and others) remained you spoke to us in such an intimate setting that I couldn’t stop thanking my lucky stars that I was there. I loved as you talked about Wintergirls, Speak, your writing and the importance of literacy.
Thank you for your energy, your dedication, your passion, and your words. Truly an author who will always have a special place in my heart and my bookshelf.
(Now for those books of yours I haven’t read . . . well, I guess I better get reading!)
Watch for an upcoming post about the Laurie Halse Anderson book signing including a special video message just for the readers of the Maw Books Blog, video of Laurie talking about Wintergirls, Speak, literacy AND The King’s English Bookshop is sponsoring a giveaway for a signed Wintergirls. Seriously, don’t miss it. In the meantime check out my book reviews of Wintergirls, Chains, and Speak.
Hey you! Yes. You! I've noticed that you've stopped by to visit a few times! But I don't know who you are. Why don't you take a moment and introduce yourself. Don't be scared. I try not to bite. I know you're a lurker but I'd love to hear your thoughts about what's been bringing you here. And if you haven't done so already, don't forget to never miss a post by subscribing to my feed or receiving updates by email. Thanks for visiting!
Tags: author panels and readings, book signings, Kings English Bookshop
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I’m going to her session tomorrow night at Book People in Austin, and I am SO excited. I can’t wait!
on March 27th, 2009 at 10:39 amI’m starting “Chains” today and I’m very excited after all the buzz I’ve heard about Laurie Halse Anderson here. I also have “Wintergirls” waiting for me at the library and can’t wait to start that as well.
on March 27th, 2009 at 12:32 pmLucky lucky you! Now I’m even more sad I couldn’t go! Maybe next time, huh.
on March 27th, 2009 at 2:08 pmWow, she sounds like a gem. I’m so glad you had such a wonderful evening.
on March 27th, 2009 at 2:16 pmI’m even more jealous now! I really need to read some of her books.
on March 27th, 2009 at 2:23 pmWhat a beautiful post. I felt as though I was right in the room with you. Sounds like a magical experience!
on March 27th, 2009 at 4:06 pmYou have had such a great authorish week! I’m jealous! I am picking up Fever, Chains, and Laurie’s Vet series books at our book fair this week…can’t wait to read them because I LOVED Wintergirls!
I’m so glad you had such a wonderful evening!
on March 27th, 2009 at 4:12 pmYou are lucky! I just love Laurie Halse Anderson and I look forward to hearing more
on March 27th, 2009 at 4:30 pmYour evening sounds truly amazing! I’ve always thought those exact same things about Laurie just by reading her blog and her picture. Thanks for confirming all of that and more!!
on March 27th, 2009 at 8:16 pmIt was so fun to meet you and Cari at the book signing! Unfortunately, we couldn’t stay to hear her speak because my baby had other ideas, but I agree that LHA is not only a wonderful author but a great person, too. I bought Wintergirls at the signing and couldn’t stop reading it.
on March 27th, 2009 at 8:31 pmYAY!!!! That’s great Natasha! I love to hear about how wonderful authors are. I’m so glad you had a good night, even if I am jealous!!!
on March 27th, 2009 at 8:36 pmHow wonderful! I bought Speak last weekend…my first Halse Andersen book. Now I’m really looking forward to reading it!
Psst, Amy…I think she’s going to be at the LA Festival of Books.
on March 27th, 2009 at 8:54 pmWow! What an amazing night you had! I haven’t had the opportunity to read any of Anderson’s work yet, but she’s definitely on my to read list. Again..glad you had a great time!
on March 28th, 2009 at 4:44 amLucky you! I adore Laurie Halse Anderson’s writing. She’s my y/a idol!
on March 28th, 2009 at 6:12 amWhat a wonderful post. Laurie Halse Anderson sounds like a lovely woman.
on March 28th, 2009 at 7:08 amIt sounds like a great night! I’m jealous of all the authors you’ve mingled with. I look forward to hearing more.
PS My reader hasn’t been picking up your new posts (like since the review of Fade). Any idea why?
on March 28th, 2009 at 10:05 amIsn’t it awesome when that happens with an author! Paullina Simons was like that for me!
on March 29th, 2009 at 1:25 amI love Laurie Halse Anderson and her ability to pick don’t-talk-about-topics, making them come alive to millions of readers. The first book I read of hers, Speak was like this, for me. Her historical fiction Chains, also a little thought about topic of slavery during the American Revolution ( our very own quest for freedom, while owning other humans). I applaud her writing and would love to converse with her although I might have to say “go home…get started on that sequel to Chains!!” (pretty please:)
on March 29th, 2009 at 1:59 pmWonderful letter and sounds like I need to do some research on this author!
on March 29th, 2009 at 3:31 pmShe reminds me of someone. Maybe a teacher I had as a kid? Not really sure. Sounds like a great lady though! Glad you had so much fun
on March 30th, 2009 at 5:59 amI haven’t read any of hers yet, but I love the covers for Speak and Wintergirls. I actually tried to win an ARC for Wintergirls, but I didn’t win, boo hoo. I am looking forward to reading it in the future.
on March 30th, 2009 at 4:05 pmI love the picture of you and the author. Looks like you connected well. I love when authors are just so happy to connect with readers on any level and when they exude that level of energy the entire time…its infectious.
on April 5th, 2009 at 5:36 pm[...] blog, and Twitter. More book blogger reviews, Maw Books reviews of Speak, Chains, Wintergirls, my open letter to Anderson, and my video of Anderson talking about Wintergirls. Genre: Picture Book, Fiction approx ages [...]
on September 25th, 2010 at 12:40 am